Dip A Toe In For Charity
22 June 2018 at 5:09 pm
Photo: Karleen Minney
A handful of thick-blooded Aussies have bravely de-robed and dunked into chilly sub zero waters to raise money for charity.
On Thursday, Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin played host to 69 individuals who enjoyed a mass skinny dip early in the morning on the shortest day of the year, known as the Winter Solstice.
The event was organised by Ian Lindeman to spread awareness and raise support for charities Love Your Sister and Lifeline with each “nudie dipper” donating $30 to the cause.
“We made $2,100 last year for Love Your Sister because Connie Johnson was a Canberra girl and she was very inspirational,” Lindeman said.
“Both charities, Love Your Sister and Lifeline are proactive – the bulk of their monies go into the research of practical ways to resolve issues and they’re worthy causes to contribute to.”
Lifeguards were the first to enter the waters to ensure everyone’s safety while participants lined up on shore against the backdrop of a set of bagpipes being played.
Lindeman said: “When we were there last year there was mist over the water, freezing cold – very Scottish. We thought ‘let’s get a bagpiper if we can’.”
Shortly after 7am a siren sounded and each participant lunged themselves into the icy depths of the lake.
The endeavour raised over $10,000 for Love Your Sister and Lifeline, with participants donating more than the mandatory registration donation of $30.
“Last year we had four swimmers, this year we had 69 – a few late registrations we didn’t know about. Everybody enjoyed it and a lot of them said they’d be back next year which is even better,” Lindeman said.
Photo: Karleen Minney Swimmers huddle around a bonfire after skinny dipping in Lake Burley Griffin
He insisted that no participant has come down with a cold.
“People are mainly saying that it was great and well-organised and that they look forward to coming back next year and a lot of them will bring their friends which is even better,” he said.
“What happens when you go for a Winter Solstice nude swim is you’re getting rid of a lot of negative energy from the past solar year and beginning refreshed and revitalised – and you really do feel terrific!”
If skinny dipping with a cause is your thing, find out how you can get involved next Winter Solstice by visiting the website.
